第１４１０堀：予定を決める (Part1)
Chapter 1410: Setting the Schedule
Side: Schow
The opening salvo of our investigative meeting seems to have struck the opposition quite effectively. It is a simple truth that there is much one cannot discern from hearsay alone. Despite this small nation being located on the Logari Continent—the same continent as Weed—it remains in a state of being left behind by the rest of the world. They surely never imagined that the Alliance would possess maps of such terrifying precision. Even I, and indeed His Majesty, felt our jaws drop the first time we laid eyes on them.
And once more, I felt the reality of it: the advantages and the disadvantages of aligning with Weed. There will undoubtedly be those who resist this. After all, it is tantamount to having one’s head held firmly under the yoke. Nevertheless, this Alliance is already composed of a mountain of nations, with the great powers at its core. To dismantle this structure would require not just breaking Weed, but the great powers as well. That is no simple feat. Those with territorial ambitions should have also realized by now, through this incident, that the Alliance does not show mercy.
Now, why did the dark guilds and the unseen Dungeon Masters operating in the shadows trigger this situation? Or was it mere coincidence? No, given the circumstances, that is impossible. Two nations, Kinauf and Irinau, responded to the request for reinforcements and mobilized their armies immediately, as if they had sensed it beforehand. If they had high-speed communication and transport methods like Weed, it would be a different story, but a small nation lacks such technology. If they possessed it, they would hardly be called a "small nation" to begin with.
In other words, it is clear that something was behind them, feeding them advance information. Since Eris and Ratz have already confirmed that a massive influx of supplies occurred beforehand, there is no doubt that a hidden hand was at play. To obtain proof of this, searching the site where the Great Flood occurred is essential. Perhaps that is why General Agil drove a nail into the coffin of the Sulus delegation’s expectations: to make it clear that this is beyond their ability to handle.
"Now, I will outline our future schedule, using this map as our focal point."
General Agil proceeds with his explanation, ignoring the silent Sulus inspection team. Waiting for their permission would only stall the proceedings.
"First, I will add the names to this map."
As he says this, General Agil touches the laptop at his side, and names begin to populate the projected map.
"This is what we have grasped so far. Is there any error here?"
When General Agil asks for confirmation, the lord’s son and the Guild Master nod.
"Thank you. Then, I will zoom in on the locations we must investigate this time."
With that, the screen expands from the entirety of the Sulus territory to a range encompassing the western town and northern town where the Great Flood occurred. A new building appears on the map, labeled with a name. It is a regular pentagonal structure.
"This building is the fortress where we are currently located. It was constructed using magic to defend the northern town. To the top—that is, the north—lies the northern town, and to the southwest lies the western town. And then..."
Next, General Agil displays a red zone. There is nothing there but vast, open grassland. That location is...
"Based on information such as tracks and eyewitness accounts, this range is the region where the enemy appeared. Lord Enaiu, and Guild Master Koeu, what are your thoughts regarding this point of emergence?"
"Yes. The general position seems correct. It matches the reports from our soldiers."
"I agree as well. Though, the area is so vast that the investigation will likely take time. There is a possibility that new monsters may emerge."
"Regarding Guild Master Koeu’s concern, we have placed sentries, so we will be notified immediately if anything happens. We have also left soldiers at this fortress, so we should be able to respond."
"I see. That is reassuring."
"Indeed. In that case, it seems unlikely we will be caught off guard from behind during our investigation."
"Then, it seems your opinions are in agreement on this. However, please forgive us if we prioritize confirming the damage in the western town, given the vastness of the area."
"Yes, that is only logical."
"First and foremost, understanding the state of the western town is vital."
"Is that acceptable to the Sulus inspection team as well?"
"…Ah, yes. Grasping whether the town can be reconstructed and the extent of the damage should come first. That is, provided the Great Flood has truly settled down."
Princess Hasnia replies. Indeed, if the Great Flood has not ended, we cannot simply take our time assessing the western town. We would be attacked.
"I cannot guarantee that a second wave or a second front of the Great Flood will not occur. After all, information regarding the Great Flood is still being gathered. That is why we are acting, and why I am making this proposal. If we do nothing, we would have to remain on guard for the next year, or even ten. We have placed monitors to ensure safety."
"I agree with General Agil’s assessment. Princess, at what point would you judge that things have settled down?"
"Ah, that is something I would like to confirm. It is a fact that the Alliance army repelled the Great Flood that had already destroyed the western town and was closing in on the northern town. Without that, the northern town would have been annihilated. I understand that vigilance is necessary, but when will that be lifted? And what are your thoughts on support until that time?"
I understand their concerns, but it is natural that the point of contention would be "when." The support for the refugees in the interim is also a problem. So, what is Princess Hasnia’s response?
"My apologies. It is not that I am opposed to General Agil’s proposal. Given our nation’s situation and the plight of the refugees, I believe the rapid reconstruction of the western town should be the top priority, but my concern was that we might suffer further damage if we focus solely on that."
"I see. That concern is understandable. While the matter of monitoring will be discussed between the King of Sulus and the Alliance, regardless of the outcome, the Alliance army is prepared to handle the monitoring and defense until that time."
"Is that so? In that case, we have nothing further to say. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
With those words, the Sulus inspection team bows their heads. I see—they were considering the possibility that we might only conduct the investigation without providing guards or surveillance. They were likely trying to draw out our commitment to remain.